Melbourne’s state-of-the-art new pedestrian footbridge linking the city and sporting precinct will be named Tanderrum Bridge.

“We’re making history in Melbourne today. Tanderrum is the perfect title for a bridge that will accommodate thousands of pedestrians each year.” Minister for Sport John Eren said.

“Victorians are proud of our heritage and our history. What better way to acknowledge the profound contribution Aboriginal Victorians have made to our state.”

Minister for Sport John Eren today joined the winners of the Name The Bridge competition, who have earned themselves a place in Melbourne’s history books by trumping thousands of entrants and picked up great prizes too.

The footbridge is the centrepiece of the $338 Million Stage Two upgrade of Melbourne Park. It will shave pedestrian travel time between Flinders Street Station and Birrarung Marr to under 10 minutes.

The bridge will provide a safe route for fans to enter and exit the precinct, ensuring spectators don’t have to cross Batman Avenue at ground level.

Tanderrum is a welcoming ceremony by the people of the Kulin nations, featuring song, dance and cultural exchange, and providing safe passage for visitors on country.

Tanderrum Bridge will provide passage for thousands of Victorians and visitors to the Melbourne Park precinct, formerly a ceremonial gathering place for the people of the Kulin Nations.

VIC Minister for Sport John Eren

The name is the perfect fit for a bridge connecting to a world-renowned sports and entertainment precinct that hosts more than 200 blockbuster events each year, including the Australian Open and the world’s biggest music acts.

“We are the events leader in Australia and the sporting capital of the world, but we’ll never be complacent. The upgrade of Melbourne Park will ensure all roads lead to Victoria for the biggest and best events.”

“Melbourne Park is a state-of-the-art venue that attracts the biggest acts and sporting events from all over the world, and we’re enhancing it. It will secure our status as the events capital and create thousands of jobs.” Mr. Eren said.

Competition winners will attend a concert of their choice at Rod Laver Arena and tickets to the 2017 Australian Open.